TAMENGLONG, JAN31 [IFP]: People in Tamenglong district of Manipur suspended all work for the day and participated in the observation of "Black Day" of the Zeliangrong Region, GPRN/ NSCN-IM on Thursday.

Streets in the district wore a deserted look as all kinds of vehicles including light vehicles went off the roads. Shops, business establishments and other institutions in the district headquarter also remained closed for the day showing solidarity to the observation of the black day of the NSCN (IM). Official reports said that Imphal bound passenger buses due to leave this morning were suspended and no bus from Imphal reached the district headquarter.

Churches too held prayers and extended cooperation responding to the appeal of the Zeliangrong Region, GPRN/ NSCN-IM. A memorial stone to commemorate those warriors who selflessly sacrificed their lives for the Naga cause was opened at Nganping Battalion HQs of Naga Army, Buning village in Tamei sub-division of Tamenglong district. The memorial stone was dedicated to the Naga army cadres who laid down their lives since the beginning of the Naga movement right from the establishment of the NNC.

The Zeliangrong Region, GPRN made dedications to the Naga army remembering intolerable sufferings and pain during the struggle for the Naga independence. The observation was held at the battalion headquarters of the Zeliangrong region of the outfit and was reportedly attended by the representatives of Zeliangrong Women Union, Zeliangrong Baptist Churches Council, Zeliangrong Students` Union and Zeliangrong Youth Front. Dignitaries who attended the programme delivered speeches on the occasion, a report said.